Alabama Avenue NW bridge in need of repairs

Wednesday

A bridge on Alabama Avenue NW above Newman Creek has fallen into disrepair.

LAWRENCE TWP. From the perspective of someone driving over Newman Creek along Alabama Avenue NW, the bridge may appear to be fine.

Take a look underneath and it quickly becomes apparent the bridge is in need of repairs.

Chunks of the concrete are missing, and cables are exposed on the underside of the bridge, hanging down toward the water.

The Lawrence Township Police Department posted photos of the bridge on its Facebook page. The post urges drivers of heavy trucks and farm machinery to use alternative routes until the bridge is repaired.

Dustin Brown, of the Stark County Engineer's Office, said the middle beam of the bridge is beginning to deteriorate. However, the other support beams are still in good condition and the bridge is still safe to cross.

The Stark County Engineer's Office placed yellow cones in the center of the bridge nearly a month ago to prevent driver's from putting too much weight on the deteriorating beam, Brown said. Construction on the bridge will begin in the fall and last for at least two or three months, he said.

The existing beams will be replaced and a new concrete deck will be added as part of the $300,000 project, according to the Stark County engineer's website.

Once construction begins, the bridge will be closed and motorists will utilize Wooster Street, Deerfield Avenue and Orrville Street as a detour.